Centipede Stops Flight From Taking Off

An Oman Air flight travelling from Oman’s capital Muscat to London, was delayed this past Sunday following an event where a passenger who was schedule to take a place aboard the aircraft suffered a bite from a centipede.

In a statement, Oman air said that the centipede was inside the trouser pocket of the passengers, when it bit him. It also said that the passenger, following being bitten, was treated by medical staff and then he was taken off the plane, to undergo further treatment, where he was escorted by his family.

The passenger was in transit in Muscat, arriving from a south east Asian country, according to the official.

“Flight WY 101 departed with a delay of 1 hour and 18 minutes,” the airline added.

According to US-based pest control service Orkin, although centipede bites may be painful, they are rarely fatal. Their symptoms vary depending on the degree of allergic reaction and the size of the centipede. Typically, bite victims have severe pain, swelling and redness at the site of the bite, with symptoms usually lasting less than 48 hours.

On January 16, an Oman Air flight from Jeddah to Muscat was diverted to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia after a passenger fell ill on board.

“The captain decided to land the flight at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the nearest airport, given the emergency. Medical assistance was duly coordinated prior to arrival at the airport. Oman Air crew did everything they could, but sadly, the guest succumbed after arrival,” the airline said in a statement.